How To Write An Employee Handbook
- 1. – KPA CONFIDENTIAL – How To Write An Employee Handbook We will begin at 10am Mountain Time
- 2. Presenter Matthew Gilley Partner, Ford & Harrison 864-699-1143 mgilley@fordharrison.com
- 3. Questions • If you have questions during the presentation, please submit them using the “Questions” feature • Questions will be answered at the end of the webinar
- 4. Things We Will Address • Upside and downside to handbooks • Beneficial Policies • “Hot Topics” • Policies that need to be revised or added as a result of modifications in federal employment law statutes • “Trendy” policies • General handbook “best-practices” • Common handbook pitfalls to avoid • Keeping handbooks current • “Bricks and Mortar”- distribution
- 5. Upside & Downside to Handbooks • Upside –Simplicity –Consistency –Litigation Defense • Downside –Litigation creation
- 6. Particularly Beneficial Policies • FLSA Safe Harbor Policy • Disciplinary Suspensions for Exempt Employees • Disclaimers Related to Benefit Policies • FMLA Policies • Harassment Policies • Drug Abuse/Drug Free Workplace Policies
- 7. “Hot Topics” for Employee Handbooks • Office Romance & Fraternization Policies • Workplace Violence Policies and Concealed Weapons Policies • Use of Cell Phones, PDAs, etc.
- 8. “Trendy” Policies • Social networking/blogging • Red Flags Rule • Expanded EEO
- 9. Statutory Changes Requiring Policy Changes • Policy updates GINA – Background – The changes – Policy updates • ADAAA – Background – The changes – Policy updates
- 10. Statutory Changes Requiring Policy Changes • FMLA – Background – The changes – Policy updates • Department of Defense Appropriations Act of 2010 – Background – The changes – Policy updates
- 11. Handbook “Best Practices” • At-will language • Clear and conspicuous disclaimer • Permissive (not promissory) language • Flexibility • Non-discrimination and harassment • Policies that further the organization’s goals
- 12. Handbook Pitfalls to Avoid • Promissory (not permissive) language • Too rigorous/detailed • Arbitrary enforcement • Failure to update • Illegal overtime • Bans on salary discussions • Criminal background checks
- 13. Avoiding Contract Claims • Use of appropriate discretionary language • Appropriate use of disclaimers • Awareness of the legal standards in each state
- 14. Keeping Handbooks Current • Periodically compare handbook to reality • Note – and react – when the handbook interferes with operations • Review whether particular policies have led to complaints, charges or lawsuits • Are all of the policies necessary? (e.g., FMLA)
- 15. “Bricks & Mortar” • Multiple options for publishing the handbook: –Booklet –Loose-leaf binder –Electronically –No handbook at all
- 16. Questions and Answers 16– KPA CONFIDENTIAL – QUESTIONS?
- 17. Contact Information 17– KPA CONFIDENTIAL – The recorded webinar and presentation slides will be emailed to you today including your local representative’s contact information. Mathew Gilley Partner, Ford & Harrison 864-699-1143 mgilley@fordharrison.com www.kpaonline.com bross@kpaonline.com 866-356-1735